Buddy Taylor Middle, Wadsworth Elementary schools targeted in 'swatting' incident: deputies

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - Buddy Taylor Middle and Wadsworth Elementary schools in Flagler County are on lockdown due to a suspicious call on Tuesday morning, according to the school district.

The Flagler Sheriff's Office said there is an added law enforcement presence outside Buddy Taylor Middle School, again, after an anonymous man called in threats.

According to deputies, anonymous calls from a male caller have come in the past two days — one to the sheriff's office's non-emergency line and the other to Buddy Taylor Middle School. Units responded to both schools because of the threats he made over the phone.

Both times, the schools were cleared, and classes resumed as usual.

Deputies are investigating the calls as "swatting," a surging trend around the country where callers make fake reports of shootings or bomb threats to create a law enforcement presence and lock schools down.

"In most instances, the caller is a current or former student," the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said. The caller's identity in this week's incident has not been revealed.

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"FCSO continues to work with Flagler Schools to investigate all suspicious threats and work quickly to ensure the safety of our Flagler County students," the sheriff's office said.

Parents are asked to stay where they are and remain available to receive updates and instructions as needed. Deputies said any further updates will be made on social media.

FOX 35 is working to get more information.